Sometimes the path you choose can take you in an unexpected direction. A trip to China not only made me a mother, it sparked an interest in maintaining a healthier diet.

After returning from China with my daughter Annie, my husband, Cliff Schwandner and I discovered edamame. We got hooked on it right away, and saw an opportunity to offer a snack to people that was actually good for them.

Our company name was inspired by our daughter’s birth mother who had left a note with Annie that said her name was Chang, which means “Bright Future.”

The name, Bright Future, keeps us focused on the dual missions of the company: to create healthier futures for people by introducing them to the health benefits of soy and to call attention to adoption as a wonderful way to create a family. A generous portion of after-tax profits of MA-ME! goes to adoption related causes such as the Bright Future Adoption Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to bringing children and prospective parents together through adoption.

Please share your family’s stories and adoption experience by e-mailing mystory@iwantmymame.com.